On October 7, faculty members, students, and scholars attended the 26th Annual CVM Phi Zeta Research Day, a colloquium that showcases the research of students and faculty from the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and affiliated departments and colleges across the university.
Participants in Phi Zeta Research Day presented their research orally or with a poster and were judged in various categories, including presentation and scholarship. Each year, the event is presented in conjunction with Phi Zeta, the honorary society of veterinary medicine. It allows individuals from across the university to celebrate the advancements in research made over the past year.
Participating in Phi Zeta Research Day gives students opportunities to explore research-based veterinary career options. It also promotes the investigation of new ideas that support the advancement of science that benefits both humans and animals. This collaboration between MSU colleges and departments fosters world-class research and strengthens the university-wide learning environment.
“Research is a collaborative effort,” said Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies. “The advancement of the care of animals and the care of humans is dependent on the research that we conduct. Phi Zeta Research Day allows us to recognize the research of our students, faculty members, and their research teams.”
This year, more than 80 veterinary students, master and doctoral students, residents, interns, undergraduates, and faculty presented their research. During the award ceremony, Dr. András Komáromy, associate professor in Small Animal Clinical Sciences, was presented with the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence for his contributions to the understanding treatment of inherited retinal diseases in both humans and animals.
Dr. Steven Arnoczky gave this year’s keynote address. Dr. Arnoczky is the Wade O. Brinker Endowed Professor of Surgery for the College, and also holds appointments in the colleges of Human Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine at MSU. In 2014, he was inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s Hall of Fame for his work in comparative orthopaedics, one of the many honors he has received
“We were excited to have Dr. Arnoczky give our keynote address,” said Dr. Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan. “His research on musculoskeletal health has been some of the most impactful for both human and animal health. His work has implications for all species, and his findings have resulted in changes in medical practice.”
Dr. Arnoczky also gave the Phi Zeta Research Day keynote address in 1992, which was his first year at Michigan State. That year, he addressed the idea of comparative orthopaedics and the implications it could have for animal and human health. This year, his keynote reflected on his 40-year career, the last 25 years of which were spent in the Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory at MSU.
“I was honored to speak at Phi Zeta Research Day again,” said Dr. Arnoczky. “The best part of it, for me, is being able to see the excellent research being done in departments across the College. Having an entire day dedicated to recognizing the research accomplishments of our students and faculty allows us to expose students to a side of veterinary medicine that they might not have considered.”
To learn more about Phi Zeta Research Day, visit cvm.msu.edu/phizetaday.